Diarrhea, vomiting, and a variety of other unpleasant symptoms can all be caused by gastrointestinal illnesses. Gastrointestinal infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Treatment usually involves staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest, although it depends on the type of illness. The symptoms, kinds, and treatments for a number of common gastrointestinal infections are discussed in this article.
Types
Gastrointestinal infections are divided into three categories:
- bacterial
- viral
- parasitic
Bacterial
Foodborne illnesses and food poisoning are examples of bacterial gastrointestinal infections. Bacterial gastrointestinal infections can be acquired from a variety of sources, including:
- Salmonella
- Escherichia coli, or E. coli
- Clostridium perfringens
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus, or a staph infection
While any contaminated meal can induce an infection, certain foods are more dangerous than others. These are some of them:
- undercooked or raw meat, eggs, or poultry
- unpasteurized dairy and juices
- contaminated water
- food, particularly meat and egg products, that is not refrigerated well
- deli meats
- unwashed or raw fruits and vegetables
People with bacterial gastrointestinal illnesses may also transfer the pathogens to the food they handle.
If someone else eats this food, they may get infected.
Viral
Gastrointestinal viral infections are fairly prevalent, and they're commonly referred to as the stomach flu. Norovirus is a kind of gastroenteritis caused by a virus. Norovirus causes 19 to 21 million instances of stomach flu in the United States each year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases (NIDDK). In the United States, other viruses that can cause viral gastrointestinal illnesses are less prevalent. Vaccines, such as those from Trusted Source, can help prevent viral diseases like rotavirus.
Parasitic
Parasitic gastrointestinal illnesses are caused by intestinal helminths, or worms, and protozoan parasites. Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are the two most frequent parasitic illnesses. These parasites can be disseminated by coming into contact with human excrement in the soil. These illnesses can also be contracted by drinking or swimming in polluted water. Humans can get parasite illnesses from animals. Toxoplasmosis is one of them, which may be contracted by contact with cat feces.
Symptoms
The symptoms of most gastrointestinal illnesses are similar, though they might vary in severity. Gastrointestinal infections can cause the following symptoms:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- loss of appetite
- a fever
- muscle aches
- an electrolyte imbalance
- gas and bloating
- unintentional weight loss
Most viral gastrointestinal diseases appear out of nowhere and stay for less than a week, but they can last longer. Bacterial infections can mimic viral illnesses in appearance, but some are more likely to result in a high fever or bloody diarrhea. Blood or mucus in diarrhea is a common symptom of parasitic gastrointestinal illnesses, which might remain until a person receives treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness, you probably don't need to consult a doctor. However, the NIDDKTrusted Source advises that anybody experiencing any of the following symptoms consult a doctor straight away:
- severe pain in the abdomen
- a high fever
- diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days
- black or tarry stools
- six or more loose stools per day
- frequent vomiting
- changes in mental state
Adults should consult a doctor if they can't keep drink down or show indicators of dehydration, such as:
- extreme thirst
- dark, infrequent urine
- sunken cheeks and eyes
- a dry mouth
- skin that does not flatten back after pinching
- lightheadedness
Because they are at a higher risk of complications, certain people should always see a doctor about gastrointestinal illnesses. These are some of them:
- pregnant women
- people with a compromised immune system
- older adults
- infants and young children
Treatment
Some gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly parasite diseases, need a doctor's prescription. Many cases of gastrointestinal diseases, on the other hand, will improve without medical therapy or intervention. Most of the time, getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of water can help a person's immune system fight off an illness at home. A person may require supportive care in the hospital for rehydration in extreme situations.
Remedy at home
People who have a gastrointestinal infection can assist treat it at home by doing the following:
- resting
- taking sips of water frequently
- using over-the-counter medications with caution
- eating bland, easy-to-digest food when feeling better
Prevention
Although many gastrointestinal disorders are very infectious, there are a number of precautions that may be taken to assist prevent them from spreading. To avoid viral infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you do the following:
- wash their hands well with soap and water
- not substitute alcohol-based hand sanitizer for hand washing
- practice food safety, including washing fruits and vegetables and cooking meats
- avoid cooking or preparing food for another person while ill
- disinfect hard surfaces with bleach
- carefully launder clothes or linens
The CDCTrusted Source recommends the following to avoid a bacterial gastrointestinal infection:
- washing hands and surfaces before, during, and after food preparation
- separating raw meats, seafood, poultry, and eggs from prepared food
- cooking food to a safe internal temperature and avoiding undercooked food
- refrigerate food below 40°F (4°C) within 2 hours of cooking
Undercooked or raw animal meals, unpasteurized dairy products and juices, and raw sprouts should all be avoided by people who are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal infections and associated repercussions. A person should avoid a parasite gastrointestinal illness by doing the following:
- practice good hygiene including hand washing
- avoid contaminated food and water
- use caution when traveling to areas where parasitic infections are more common
- take precautions to prevent toxoplasmosis, including avoiding the cat litter box if pregnant